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Pharmacy

The Pharmacy section is designated for information pertaining to drugs covered under the pharmacy benefit, including updates to our drug formularies and initiatives designed to keep our members safe and reduce risks related to prescribed drugs, such as opioids and high-risk medications.

Communications

Phar
2023 Updates
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  New look and search feature for pharmacy policy site – No action needed Posted: 7/5/2023
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  Upcoming changes to the list of specialty drugs that will require precertification Posted: 5/26/2023
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  FDA withdraws approval of preterm prevention drug Makena^® Posted: 5/5/2023
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  Premium Formulary drug program changes Posted: 5/2/2023
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 5/2/2023
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  Changes to the Most Cost-Effective Setting Program Posted: 5/1/2023
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  Independence Drug Formulary updates Posted: 3/23/2023
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 3/15/2023
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  Voluntary withdrawal of Blenrep^® from U.S. market Posted: 1/13/2023
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  Independence Drug Formulary updates Posted: 1/5/2023
Phar
2022 Updates
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing procedures Posted: 12/22/2022
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  Now in effect: Preferred products for long-acting colony-stimulating factors Posted: 11/18/2022
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  Premium Formulary drug program updates Posted: 11/16/2022
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  Policy changes impacting biologics prescribed for autoimmune, asthma, or allergic conditions Posted: 10/20/2022
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 9/8/2022
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  Changes to the Dosage and Frequency Program Posted: 8/1/2022
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  Changes to the Most Cost-Effective Setting Program Posted: 7/19/2022
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  FutureScripts^®Premium Formulary drug program updates Posted: 5/26/2022
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 4/28/2022
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 3/17/2022
Phar
2021 Updates
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  Independence position on preferred long-acting insulin Posted: 12/21/2021
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing procedures Posted: 12/20/2021
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  FutureScripts^® Premium Formulary drug program updates Posted: 12/2/2021
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  Independence drug formulary updates Posted: 12/2/2021
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  Independence drug program formulary updates Posted: 9/27/2021
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  Drug exclusions under Medicare Advantage Part D coverage Posted: 8/3/2021
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  FutureScripts^® Premium Formulary drug program updatesPosted: 5/5/2021
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  Independence drug program formulary updates Posted: 5/5/2021
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  Formulary change to Proair^® HFA postponedPosted: 1/19/2021
Phar
2020 Updates
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  Updates to free meters as part of the Blood Glucose Meter Program for commercial membersPosted: 12/1/2020
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 12/1/2020
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  FutureScripts^®Premium Formulary drug program updatesPosted: 12/1/2020
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  Most cost-effective prescription drugsPosted: 11/12/2020
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 9/1/2020
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  FutureScripts^® Premium Formulary drug program updatesPosted: 5/29/2020
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 5/29/2020
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  COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 4/29/2020
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 2/17/2020
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  Prior authorization for high-risk medications in the elderlyPosted: 2/4/2020
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  Independence among Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® companies partnering with Civica Rx Posted: 1/23/2020
Phar
2019 Updates
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  FutureScripts^® Premium Formulary drug program updatesPosted: 12/20/2019
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing procedures Posted: 12/17/2019
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 11/20/2019
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  Updates to the Blood Glucose Meter Program for commercial membersPosted: 11/13/2019
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  Changes to opioid management for members under 18 years of agePosted: 11/13/2019
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  BriovaRx Specialty Pharmacy and Infusion Services has become Optum Specialty Pharmacy and Optum Infusion PharmacyPosted: 11/5/2019
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  $0 cost-share program for certain prescription medications through DecemberPosted: 9/23/2019
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  Save the date! Pennsylvania will host Medication-Assisted Treatment Regional Summits this fallPosted: 9/19/2019
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 8/23/2019
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  No cost-share for Narcan^® and naloxone for Independence members to continue in 2020Posted: 7/31/2019
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  Independence to offer drug rebates upfront, at the point of salePosted: 5/30/2019
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 5/23/2019
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  Prior authorization requirement for continuing low-dose opioid therapy now in effectPosted: 4/1/2019
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 3/1/2019
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  Thorough completion of prescription drug prior authorization forms linked to improved member satisfactionPosted: 2/14/2019
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  Reminder: Prior authorization update regarding low-dose opioid therapyPosted: 2/1/2019
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  Reminder: Proper submission of your MAT recognition form and waiverPosted: 1/9/2019
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  Reminder: Online PreCheck MyScript tool provides insight into member pharmacy benefitsPosted: 1/8/2019
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  Changes to the management of CAPS drugs now in effectPosted: 1/7/2019
Phar
2018 Updates
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  Reminder: Online PreCheck MyScript tool provides insight into member pharmacy benefitsPosted: 12/10/2018
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing proceduresPosted: 12/5/2018
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  Medicare seven-day supply limit for first time opioid fillsPosted: 12/3/2018
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 11/29/2018
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  Prescribing medications for the treatment of opioid addictionPosted: 11/28/2018
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  Authorized generic drug changesPosted: 11/27/2018
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  Update to opioid management initiativePosted: 11/26/2018
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  Online PreCheck MyScript tool provides insight into member pharmacy benefitsPosted: 11/9/2018
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  ePRO reminder notifications for prescribersPosted: 10/3/2018
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  Changes to the management of CAPS drugsPosted: 10/1/2018
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  New! Electronic prior authorization now available for providersPosted: 8/31/2018
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 8/29/2018
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  Updates to opioid coverage policy and formulary managementPosted: 8/7/2018
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  New! Fax notifications from FutureScripts^® Secure when Medicare Advantage members are late to refill medicationsPosted: 8/1/2018
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  Site of service changes and new coverage option for Benlysta^® now in effect Posted: 6/1/2018
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 5/31/2018
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  Billing of date ranges for DME and specialty pharmacy Posted: 5/24/2018
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  Reminder: Site of service changes and new coverage option for Benlysta^® Posted: 5/1/2018
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  Independence offers unique pharmacy program for Medicare Advantage membersPosted: 3/8/2018
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 3/1/2018
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  Site of service changes and new coverage option for Benlysta^® Posted: 3/1/2018
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  Removal of cost-sharing for naloxone and Narcan^®Posted: 2/20/2018
Phar
2017 Updates
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing procedures Posted: 12/28/2017
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  Preferred specialty pharmacy providersPosted: 12/7/2017
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 11/30/2017
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  Statin therapy for diabetic patientsPosted: 11/21/2017
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  Independence CMO pledges to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics Posted: 11/13/2017
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  Inaccurate information communicated to members covered under the School District of Philadelphia regarding diabetic drugsPosted: 11/8/2017
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 9/1/2017
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  Use of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxisPosted: 8/23/2017
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  Reminder: Our policy on opioid management Posted: 7/11/2017
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  Changes to management of subcutaneous immunoglobulin Posted: 6/28/2017
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  Our policy on opioid management Posted: 6/9/2017
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 5/31/2017
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  Medications to be excluded from the Select Drug Program^® FormularyPosted: 5/25/2017
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  Independence drug program formulary updatesPosted: 3/2/2017
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  Updated high-risk medications guide available Posted: 1/6/2017
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  Updated message for providers who prescribe drugs for Medicare patientsPosted: 1/5/2017
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  Codeine use in childrenPosted: 1/4/2017
Phar
2016 Updates
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 12/1/2016
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  Benefits provided by BriovaRx^®Posted: 12/1/2016
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribingproceduresPosted: 12/1/2016
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 12/1/2016
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  Stelara^®: Now eligible for coverage under the medical andpharmacy benefitsPosted: 10/3/2016
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  Software update for e-prescriptionsPosted: 9/28/2016
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 8/31/2016
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 8/31/2016
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  Reminder: Important message for providers who prescribe drugs for Medicare patientsPosted: 6/30/2016
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  Understanding prescription drug vouchersPosted: 6/30/2016
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 6/1/2016
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 6/1/2016
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  CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic painPosted: 4/29/2016
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  Important message for providers who prescribe drugs for Medicare patientsPosted: 3/31/2016
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  Medication Therapy Management program available for Independence members Posted: 3/31/2016
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  Thorough completion of prior authorization forms linked to improved member satisfaction Posted: 3/31/2016
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  Prescription drug updates Posted: 2/29/2016
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  The benefits of statin therapy in diabetic patientsPosted: 2/29/2016
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updates Posted: 2/29/2016
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  New guide available regarding high-risk medicationsPosted: 1/29/2016
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  Resources available to promote antimicrobial stewardship in our community Posted: 1/29/2016
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  Reminder: Important message for providers who prescribe drugs for Medicare patients Posted: 1/29/2016
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  Opioid abuse epidemic Posted: 1/29/2016
Phar
2015 Updates
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  Tips to promote antimicrobial stewardship in our communityPosted: 12/30/2015
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  Medication Therapy Management program available for your patients Posted: 12/30/2015
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  Prescribing high-risk medications for your older adult patients Posted: 12/30/2015
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  Contraceptive coverage changes for 2016Posted: 12/1/2015
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  Coverage of non-FDA-approved drugsPosted: 12/1/2015
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  Prescription drug updates Posted: 12/1/2015
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  Important message for providers who prescribe drugs for Medicare patientsPosted: 12/1/2015
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  Prescribing medications for your older adult patients Posted: 12/1/2015
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updates Posted: 12/1/2015
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  Our prescription drug program and safe prescribing procedures Posted: 12/1/2015
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  Prescription drug updates Posted: 9/1/2015
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updates Posted: 9/1/2015
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  New mail-order facility for your patients with FutureScripts^® Secure coveragePosted: 7/2/2015
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  Appropriate use of Suboxone^®Posted: 6/1/2015
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 6/1/2015
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  Ensuring better drug coverage determination outcomes for you and your patientsPosted: 6/1/2015
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updates Posted: 6/1/2015
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 3/2/2015
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updates Posted: 3/2/2015
Phar
2014 Updates
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  Things to remember when prescribing narcotic therapy Posted: 12/30/2014
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  Mandatory specialty medication program will begin January 1, 2015Posted: 12/1/2014
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  Compound medication policy updatePosted: 12/1/2014
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 12/1/2014
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  Nasonex^® to be removed from Select Drug Program^® FormularyPosted: 12/1/2014
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 12/1/2014
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  Important information on prescribed narcotic therapyPosted: 12/1/2014
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  Requesting prior authorization for direct ship oral medicationsPosted: 10/31/2014
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  Prescription drug updates Posted: 8/28/2014
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 8/28/2014
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  Nexium^® to be removed from Select Drug Program^® Formulary Posted: 8/28/2014
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 5/30/2014
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 5/30/2014
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  Generic drugs available for the treatment of osteoporosisPosted: 2/28/2014
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 2/28/2014
Phar
2013 Updates
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 12/2/2013
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  New FutureScripts^® Preferred Pharmacy NetworkPosted: 12/2/2013
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 12/2/2013
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  Reminder: ProAir^® HFA to become the only preferred brand of rescue inhaler for commercial membersPosted: 8/29/2013
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 8/29/2013
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  Select Drug Program ^® Formulary updatesPosted: 8/29/2013
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  ProAir HFA to become the only preferred brand of rescue inhaler for commercial membersPosted: 8/1/2013
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  CMS requires an individual NPI on all prescriptions for members covered under Medicare Part DPosted: 5/31/2013
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 5/31/2013
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 5/31/2013
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  Orthovisc^® replaces Euflexxa^® as one of three preferred products to treat osteoarthritis of the kneePosted: 4/18/2013
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  Voluntary recall of all lots of OMONTYS^® (peginesatide) InjectionPosted: 3/7/2013
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 3/1/2013
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 3/1/2013
Phar
2012 Updates
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 11/30/2012
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  Changes to growth hormone prescribing proceduresPosted: 11/30/2012
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 11/30/2012
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  Important change for the coverage of Adderall XR^®Posted: 9/28/2012
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 8/31/2012
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 8/31/2012
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  The process of requesting retrospective reviews for inpatient staysPosted: 6/29/2012
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  Health care reform: Expansion of 100 percent coverage for women’s preventive health servicesPosted: 6/29/2012
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 5/31/2012
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 5/31/2012
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  Program for brand Lipitor^® ends as of June 1, 2012Posted: 5/1/2012
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  CMS patient safety measures and how you can helpPosted: 3/29/2012
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 3/1/2012
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  Select Drug Program^® Formulary updatesPosted: 3/1/2012
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  Closed formulary option for Medicare Part D membersPosted: 1/31/2012
Phar
2011 Updates
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  Change to our specialty pharmacy network for commercial membersPosted: 12/29/2011
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  Brand Lipitor® available to members through May 2012Posted: 12/1/2011
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  Upcoming benefits change for progesterone in oilPosted: 12/1/2011
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  Prescription drug updatesPosted: 9/1/2011
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  Select Drug Program® Formulary updatesPosted: 9/1/2011
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  Prescription mail order service transitionPosted: 7/1/2011

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Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving the health insurance needs of Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.